Concerns are mounting over the rising number of blood cancer cases in Pakistan, with estimates indicating that around 20% of cancer patients in the country are diagnosed with this particular type.
The remaining 80% face various other cancers, including breast, oral, lung, and colorectal cancers. This troubling trend is exacerbated by a severe lack of public healthcare facilities equipped to treat blood cancer, leaving many patients without the care they desperately need.
In major urban centers like Karachi, the situation is especially dire. Reports indicate a significantly high incidence of blood and gland cancers, alongside substantial cases of breast and colorectal cancers. Unfortunately, many public hospitals in Karachi are ill-equipped to address these serious health challenges, creating an overwhelming burden for patients and their families.
Facilities such as Civil Hospital and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital currently lack any resources for treating blood cancer. Although Jinnah Hospital has an oncology department, it suffers from a critical shortage of essential medications. Indus Hospital, on the other hand, does not provide any specific treatment options for blood cancer patients, further complicating the healthcare landscape.
The government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure has been called into question, with criticisms arising over the allocation of billions in grants that have not led to tangible improvements. This lack of support creates numerous hurdles for patients battling blood cancer, making their already difficult journeys even more challenging.
Experts emphasize the importance of thorough diagnostics and the urgent need for action to bolster the number of qualified specialists, which is essential for effective treatment.